As part of the Hard Rock Anniversary Sessions, Absolute Radio has held a series of intimate gigs at the legendary Hard Rock Cafe. Past performances have included the likes of Editors, The View and The Pigeon Detectives. Tonight saw the Mercury Prize nominees Guillemots take to the stage.

This year we’ve seen Guillemots perform a run of low publicity ‘secret’ gigs whilst promoting their new album ‘Walk the River’. Continuing these intimate gigs tonight’s venue couldn’t be more fitting.

After a patient wait of three years, and being one of my most highly anticipated albums of year I was eager to hear how the new material translated live.

With the recent success of frontman Fyfe Dangerfield’s solo album I wanted to see if the band could keep the new material sounding as fresh and how the music has evolved since the second album ‘Red’?

The Hard Rock audience applauded and cheered as the group took to the stage. ‘Bonjour’ Fyfe cried and romped straight into title track ‘Walk the River’.

Using an array of different instruments, classically trained Fyfe effortlessly showed his multiple talents and filled the room with his unique sound. Mouth glued to the microphone, Fyfe showcased his range of vocal styles entertaining every single person.

With barely a pause between songs, Fyfe only stopped to thank the crowd with a simple ‘cheers’.

The crowd clearly enjoyed all new tracks and anyone who thought the Guillemots were on the back burner whilst Fyfe concentrated on his solo work were proved wrong. Tonight we witnessed a great performance from the band with Fyfe on superb form!

Tune in to the Absolute Radio Geoff Lloyd Hometime Show on Wednesday 25th May from 7pm-8pm to listen to this special set and exclusive interview with the band. For more information go to www.absoluteradio.co.uk